Urgent order from the Department of Provincial Administration suspends Mr. Rungrueng, Phuket Provincial Governor, from official duties pending investigation on criminal charges related to extorting benefits during local civil servant examinations.
On 27 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Mr. Withoon Sirinukul, Deputy Director-General acting as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, signed the department's order No. 1899/2569 to suspend from official duties pending criminal charges.
The document states that Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut, a senior executive civil servant serving as Phuket Provincial Governor, faces criminal charges after the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Region 9 issued arrest warrant No. J.12/2569 dated 26 June 2026 GMT+7. The warrant was issued to the commander of the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division to arrest Mr. Rungrueng, who is accused of "soliciting or agreeing to receive property or other benefits for himself or others as a reward to induce or having induced officials, legislative assembly members, provincial council members, or municipal council members through corrupt or illegal means or by abusing power to perform or omit duties that benefit or harm any person." He is also charged with similar offenses involving state officials, foreign officials, or officials of international organizations. Subsequently, Mr. Rungrueng was handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. The Criminal Case No. 8/2569 was filed with the 6th Division of the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Suppression Division, Central Investigation Bureau.
In this case, Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut is considered to be under criminal investigation. Since the position of Provincial Governor is key within the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Interior, the person holding this post must maintain credibility, faith, and public trust in the area. The alleged criminal acts relate to corrupt or neglectful official duties or untrustworthy behavior, without defense by a public prosecutor, and are not minor offenses. Such conduct undermines trust from the public and internal supervisory bodies of the department where Mr. Rungrueng serves. His continued service could cause damage to the government.
Given the criminal allegations against Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut and the anticipated prolonged legal process, it is deemed appropriate to suspend him from official duties pending the outcome.
Therefore, under Sections 57(5) and 101 of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551 (2008), together with Articles 78, 83, and 84 of the Civil Service Commission's Disciplinary Procedures B.E. 2556 (2013), Ministry of Interior Order No. 251/2565 on delegated disciplinary and appeal authority dated 27 Jan 2022, and Ministry of Interior Order No. 820/2568 appointing acting Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration dated 14 Mar 2025,
Mr. Rungrueng Thimabut is hereby suspended from official duties effective immediately. Should he wish to contest this order, he may submit a written complaint to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, his superior, or send a registered mail complaint to the same office within 30 days from the date he became aware of this order, according to Section 123, Paragraph 1 of the Civil Service Act B.E. 2551 and related Civil Service Commission regulations on complaints and their adjudication.
